Alarm device for clocks in signaling systems



July 3, 1928. 1,676,075

J. W. BRYCE ALARM DEVICE FOR CLOCKS IN SIGNALING SYSTEMS Filed Nov. 20,1924 gmbemtz as mum/M W W fl r-r J Patented July 3, 1928.

UNITED STATES 1,676,075 PATENT OFFlCiE.

JAMES W. BRYCE, OF IB LOOMFIELD, NEW JERSEY, ASSIGNOR TO INTERNATIONALTIME RECORDING COMPANY OF NEW YORK, ENDICOTT, NEW YORK, A CORPORATION OFNEW YORK.

ALARM DEVICE non CLOCKS in SIGNALING SYSTEMS.

Application filed November 20, 1924. Serial No. 751,059.

The present invention is directed to an improvement in the copendingapplication of Thomas J. Watson, Serial No. 749,641, filed Nov. 13,1924, and in my copending ap- 5 plication, Serial No. 750,033, filedNov. 15,

In the Watson application a device is disclosed in which a timedesignation is made within the ap aratus to show the time at which acorre ated visual signal failed to function and in mycopendingapplication provision is made for makiing a similar designation when aso-called flashing type of signal fails to function for a sustained time16 period.

' With either of the foregoing systems the clock mechanism itself maystop, in which event the time designation of a signal failure would beerroneous.

The present invention has for its objects the provision of means forsounding, displaying or otherwise calling into operation an alarm deviceto apprise inspectors and others passing the signal device that theclock at mechanism has failed.

A further object of the present invention resides in the revision ofmeans brought into operation y a sustained failure of a visual signalfor interrupting the clock operao ation and in addition means areprovided for preventing the resumption of the clock operation if currentis reapplied to the line and the visual si al' is reestablished. In thisway the clock indicating device displays 5 thfi time of the firstfailure of'a visua sig- :1

The drawing shows diagrammatically one embodiment of my invention. 10and 11 are the supply mains which supply current to, to the si al device12. This signal device 12 is of t e flashing signal type described in myeopending application having a thermostat socket 13 to control theflashing of the signal. 14 is a relay coil disposed in main 45 11 and 15is the time delayed relay structure which is arranged to keep thecontrol magnet 15 energized at all times during the normal operation ofsignal 12 and to open the circuit to magnet 15 upon a sustained 1neaterruption of operation of the flashing signal 12. Upon magnet 15becoming deenergized armature 16 is drawn downwardly and retained inposition by a catch 17. This armature operation stops the clockescapement device 18 and thereby designates the time of sustained signalfailure on the time tape 18. Catch 17 prevents armature 16 beingretracted if for any reason the magnet 15 is again energized. vDisk 19is driven by the clock mechanism and has a plurality of ratchet teethupon its periphery. Cooperating with these ratchet teeth is a springcontact member 21 which is arranged to either make contact with the topof the teeth or to open a contact if disk 19 stops at an intermediateposition. A wire 22 supplies current to disk 19 from supply main 11.Leading from contact 21 is a circuit 23 containing two relay coils 24,25, and extending back to line 10. Associated with relay coil 24 is anarmat re 26 and associated with coil 25 is an armature 27. Each of thearmatures 26 and 27 is provided with a retarding dash pot 28 whichrespectively delay the armatures 26 and 27. Armature 26 tends to closecontacts 30 upon the energization oi coil 24 and armature 27 tends toclose contacts 31 upon the deenergization of coil 25. So long as theclock driven disk 19 continues its rotation a series of timed currentimpulses will be sent through relay coils 24 and 25. The duration ofthese impulses with regular and proper clock operation is such thatneither contact 30 nor 31 will be permitted to close. If, on the otherhand, 85 the clock slows down or stops entirely one or the other ofthese contacts 30 or 31 will close. Contacts. 30 will close if pawl 21is in contact with the ratchet 19 with the clock stopped or runningslow, and if the clock stops or runs slow with pawl 21 out of contactwith the ratchet teeth contacts 31 will eventually close. The closure ofone or the other of these pairs of contacts 30 or. 31 will establish analarm circuit 32 and illuminate an alarm visual signal D.

The alarm D may beeither a visual or audible alarm but it is here shownas of the visible type. Obviously a bell could be used if desired. Iprefer to locate the signal D on the pedestal as shown.

The establishment of the alarm D is adapted to show that theclock-controlled time tell-tale mechanism 18 has stopped or has sloweddown to such an extent as to cause 108 the tell-tale device to functionimproperly.

. What I claim is- -1. In a signal system wherein a. visual signal actsas guide is neelisnism, adapted in show u a cum/rel member eluted nisln,and means cmnmlled l0; upon the improper functioning of said mech anismfor giving an alarm fer file purpcse described.

2. In a signal sysiem including as visual. i'rafiic signal, acleck-contrelled tell-tale mechanism with provisions fer slimviiig shetime of signal failures, an alarm ci cuits; clock-controlled member 2iccntecfs controlled thereby, a relay circuifi, and e nlib rality ofdelayed acticn relays they of said relays having pi'ovisicns lishing thealarm ciscuie upon sue closure of the conteciu means loy the ccontrolled member, Ll-1 other (if s ineving FHOVYiSlOHS fcnc circuit"upon susisn tact means because is steppsge ci tion 01 theclock-ccntmlled memes 3, In a signal system having trolled tell-talemechanism filki filfiy elegy e mi and, member c0 lied thereby, en alarmciecuit and e; is ecl action relay means in said relay sir emit withpi'cvisions for establishing said alarm circuit upen'the stoppage orslowing dewn cf the clock driven memben 4; In ceniliinatien with sleek,e clock ccntrolled membei", ccntsci: means centralled thereby s relaycircuit and a, plurality cf delayed s wn relays filiei'ein, mic 0f saidres hev prcvisiens 01 establishing an spun sustained elesuzce said;

' ciockecntsclied mem mlsys V an MA lleifem my L c

